Andrew Muchineripi : Soccer
National soccer coach Philippe Troussier spent this month shifting through the local and foreign-based talent available to him and now has a list of 30 World Cup hopefuls.
One of the most eagerly awaited national squads since the birth of Bafana Bafana is scheduled to be named late next week for friendlies with Zambia, Argentina and Slovakia.
Troussier wants to take 26 players to South America and a training camp in the German city of Stuttgart before dropping four when the deadline for naming his cup squad falls on June 2.
Speculation is rife as to who is hot and who is cold. Can Doctor Khumalo survive amid rumours from some Bafana circles that the darlin’ of Kaizer Chiefs is past his international sell-by date?
Can Jerry Sikhosana complete a fairytale comeback after spending most of the season in and out of the Orlando Pirates team and firing blank after blank? Troussier wants fighters and “Legs of Thunder” certainly fits that description.
The Frenchman says about 20 of his candidates are based abroad and one who seems set for his first call-up is Maimane Alfred Phiri, a versatile 23-year-old midfielder from Turkish club Vanspor.
Phiri grew up in the northern Johannesburg township of Alexandra and played for local clubs Arsenal and United before joining the academy of South African soccer, otherwise known as Jomo Cosmos.
He played only a handful of matches for the Ezenkosi before being signed by another Turkish team, Genclerbirligi, and recently recalled how he caught the attention of a visiting agent two years ago.
“I arrived late for a fixture with Bush Bucks and only came on during the second half. The Turkish agent had come to watch another player, but liked what I did and signed me.”
Alfred did not hesitate to move although he admits loneliness often made him homesick and telephone bills topping R4 000 became the rule rather than the exception.
There are several other South Africans performing in the Turkish First Division, but long distances prevents regular contact and they usually meet only when a fixture brings them together.
Fellow midfielder John “Shoes” Moshoeu is the senior figure among the Turkish South Africans and Phiri pays tribute to a national star he could play alongside in France come June: “He is always encouraging me and emphasising that I must believe in my ability. ‘Ace’ Khuse used to visit me before he returned home and I see Pollen Ndlanya occasionally. It also helps that I understand a little Turkish now.”
Given that Turkey is not exactly an international football force, why does a country that stands at the crossroads between Europe and Asia attract South Africans?
“It is all about money,” says Phiri. “You cannot compare the money paid by foreign clubs with those in South Africa. There is a desperate need for a players’ union at home because clubs owners are not paying living wages.
“There is plenty of money in South African football, so where is it going? Every South African playing abroad leaves the land of his birth largely because of money. We have chosen football as a career and we need to be looked after.”
Strong words from a man with strong opinions. Mention crime to a footballer who grew up in a township where the wail of police sirens was not uncommon and he expresses equally forceful views.
“The government has to clamp down heavily on criminals. Maybe they should employ new policemen. ‘Old’ policemen took bribes so they are also criminals. A ‘new’ police force can help reduce the crime rate.
“It would also help if the government created more jobs and I do not understand why there are so many illegal immigrants in our country.” Who said South African footballers are bland, boring people?
Phiri says football in Turkey is more physical and less skilful than South Africa. “You must be strong and possess a lot of stamina to survive here,” he stresses.
The Bafana Bafana hopeful also has strong views on why some South African footballers succeed abroad and others fail, saying much depends on how teammates treat you.
“If they make you feel at home you are much more likely to be successful. If they are hostile and view you as a threat, the chances are good that you will fail,” Phiri says.
Should Maimane Alfred Phiri prove half as forceful on the pitch as he is when expressing his views, the already hot competition for midfield places could reach boiling point.